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Perfumes: discovery of Maison Guerlain, an institution that has spanned generations
Maison Guerlain is one of the oldest French perfumers. The institution created in 1828 contributes to France’s influence abroad, and claims to have created more than 1,000 fragrances. Mythical perfumes and know-how, jealously guarded for almost two centuries. – (France 2)
Maison Guerlain is one of the oldest French perfumers. The institution created in 1828 contributes to France’s influence abroad, and claims to have created more than 1,000 fragrances. Mythical perfumes and know-how, jealously guarded for almost two centuries.
A silk cord, and the same gesture reproduced forever. At the Guerlain factory in Orphin (Yvelines), at the very end of the production line, the table ladies are there to seal the bottles of the house’s cult perfumes. Imperial Eau de Cologne was created 170 years ago. “It’s fantastic, it’s more than that, it’s legendary“, confides Didy Duschesne, table lady at the factory.
A family saga
Pierre François Pascal Guerlain, perfumer, created the Imperial Eau de Cologne for Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. He thus launched the family saga, four generations of Guerlains, hyperactive and inventive, who will dust off perfumery. The brand’s perfumes are still popular, and the formulas have been almost unchanged for decades, thanks to well-kept family secrets. The formulas are recorded in grimoires. Preserving heritage also involves rediscovering forgotten flowers, such as tuberose.